At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a compassionate approach to behaviour and wellbeing in a supportive school environment.
- Company: Join Avonside School, part of Outcomes First Group, committed to wellbeing and work-life balance.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day working week, competitive salary, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while shaping a positive school culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting children with SEMH and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team in a brand-new specialist school with excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 Β£ per year.
Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!
Location: Avonside School, Bristol BS4 5PS
Salary: Β£30,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: February 2026
This role does not offer sponsorship. At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance and are putting wellbeing first. Weβre proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay.
About The Role
The Behaviour Support Lead plays a pivotal role in shaping a calm, consistent and compassionate school culture. This is a non-teaching leadership role designed for experienced professionals with strong expertise in behaviour, regulation, wellbeing and trauma-informed practice. Working closely with senior leaders, safeguarding, SEND and clinical colleagues, you will lead and embed Avonside Schools relational, trauma-informed approach, ensuring behaviour is understood as communication and that both pupils and staff feel safe, supported and confident. This role carries leadership influence across the school, without being part of SLT, and requires a visible, trusted presence.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and embed a consistent, trauma-informed and relational approach to behaviour, regulation and wellbeing across the school
- Model and promote calm, predictable and boundaried responses to behaviour, supporting staff to understand behaviour as communication
- Support and oversee regulation strategies, behaviour plans, incident response and post-incident reflection and repair
- Coach and guide staff in effective behaviour, wellbeing and de-escalation practice, contributing to CPD and reflective conversations
- Monitor behaviour, wellbeing, attendance and engagement to inform improvement and targeted support
- Work collaboratively with families, external agencies and multi-disciplinary teams to promote safe, positive outcomes for pupils
About You
You will have:
- GCSEs in Maths and English
- Significant experience supporting children and young people with SEMH, trauma and neurodivergence, with a strong understanding of behaviour, regulation and wellbeing
- Confidence in de-escalation, co-regulation and post-incident reflection, with a calm, reflective and emotionally intelligent approach
- Strong communication, relationship-building and decision-making skills, and a clear commitment to trauma-informed, relational and inclusive practice
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable
- Experience in specialist, alternative or SEND settings, including lead practitioner or middle leadership roles
- Experience working alongside clinical or multi-agency teams and CPI training (or willingness to undertake accreditation)
About Us
Avonside School is a brand-new specialist school in Bristol for young people with SEMH, autism, and associated needs. We provide a supportive environment prioritising wellbeing, personal growth, and academic progress. Our curriculum offers hands-on vocational pathways in construction, hair and beauty, hospitality, art and IT, building practical skills and independence. We empower every pupil to gain confidence, resilience, and the skills needed for further education, employment, and adult life.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young peoples lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact. We are proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a Great Place to Work for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
Your Wellbeing Matters mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including: Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
Hundreds of UK and international discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. While we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
Behaviour Support Lead in Bristol employer: Sun Spray Salon
Contact Detail:
Sun Spray Salon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Behaviour Support Lead in Bristol
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with SEMH or trauma-informed practices. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to behaviour support and trauma-informed approaches. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of behaviour plans or strategies you've implemented in the past. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and commitment to creating a supportive environment.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, youβll find all the latest opportunities at Avonside School and beyond.
We think you need these skills to ace Behaviour Support Lead in Bristol
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that align with the Behaviour Support Lead role. We want to see how your background in behaviour, regulation, and wellbeing fits into our vision at Avonside School.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in trauma-informed or relational practices. We love seeing genuine passion for the work we do.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Donβt forget to submit your application through our website! Itβs the best way for us to receive your details and ensures youβre considered for the Behaviour Support Lead position. We canβt wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sun Spray Salon
β¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the principles of trauma-informed practice and how they apply to behaviour support. Brush up on your knowledge about SEMH, neurodivergence, and effective de-escalation techniques. This will help you demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
β¨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully implemented behaviour strategies or worked with multi-disciplinary teams. Highlight your leadership influence and how you've supported staff in understanding behaviour as communication.
β¨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle certain situations involving pupil behaviour or staff support. Think through potential scenarios and your approach to them, focusing on calm, predictable responses and the importance of reflection and repair.
β¨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the school's culture, the 4-Day Working Week, or how they measure success in behaviour support. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.